One this Tuesday, a lengthy decision was made. The Senate Intelligence Committee had the final say and voted to endorse the new director for the nation's intelligence programs.

    The committee members took a long time to make their decision. This vote was to decide the fate of Tulsi Gabbard. The next Intelligence Director. She had proposed by a former presidential director. . You might know him as Donald Trump.

    The role of the head of intelligence is a big deal.  This person is the top boss for a budget of $100 billion, overseeing multiple intelligence agencies,  Gabbard they chose to vote the 9-8 to back Gabbard. This vote could help her get the job.

    Gabbard has had quite a journey. She is an ex-congresswoman from Hawaii.  Gabbard nominated by the President Trump.  She did not always see eye to eye with Trump. Gabbard ran for president herself, back when she was a democrat.

    Gabbard might have had a hard time getting this job, with Republicans being the majority. They had some major concerns. One was Edward Snowden. He is an ex-contractor who took a lot of secret information and fled to Russia. Snowden is wanted for espionage. Initially, Gabbard wanted to pardon him. But at the hearing the one week ago, she changed her mind. Reason? Not clear.

     About the government's surveillance program, Gabbard has flipped her views too. Back then, she was against it. Now, she thinks it's important.

    Gabbard had some strong words for her critics. She doesn't like it when people question her loyalty. Especially when she's spent time in the military and politics. Gabbard served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed in Iraq.

    The Republicans had to make a big decision to back her. They did not want to be seen as supporting someone who might not be fully on board.

     At her hearing, she had to clear the air about a few things.  NATO and Russia. She was asked if she thought NATO started the war in Ukraine. And also about the U. S. strike that killed a top Iranian general. She had to make it clear that she agreed with Trump's decision.  Gabbard is a strategic change in how she views things.

    Gabbard's win in the Senate is a big step for her. As Intelligence Director, she's in charge of many agencies and has a big budget.

    So, what is going on? Why are important people backing such a pivotal change? They do not have to reveal all. You would be surprised.

Tulsi Gabbard: Vine to Shine?

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